Makatite is a very rare sodium silicate mineral typically found in saline lake deposits and alkaline igneous complexes. It usually forms soft, pearly, platy crystals that are extremely sensitive to environmental conditions, often dehydrating if removed from their native brine environment.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Makatite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this makatite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch makatite with a known reference. Makatite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Makatite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Makatite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy or micaceous crystals.

Often confused with

Makatite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Makatite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-4 vs. 2).

How to tell apart: Makatite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-4 vs. 1-2).

Compare →

Often found alongside makatite

Minerals reported to co-occur with makatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Si₄O₈(OH)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.12 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy or Micaceous Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits in Alkaline Lakes
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find makatite

Classic worldwide localities

Lake Magadi, Kenya
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Khibiny Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits in alkaline lakes country — that is the host setting where makatite typically forms. If you start seeing magadiite, trona, nahcolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or micaceous crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify makatite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is makatite found?+

Notable localities include Lake Magadi, Kenya; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; Khibiny Massif, Russia.

How much is makatite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like makatite?+

Makatite is most often confused with Kanemite, Magadiite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with makatite?+

Makatite commonly co-occurs with Magadiite, Trona, Nahcolite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does makatite form in?+

Makatite typically forms in evaporite deposits in alkaline lakes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is makatite used for?+

Makatite is used in collector.

Find makatite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.